Mosman Houseboat

Homes

We’re often asked what makes a quintessentially ‘Australian’ home. It’s a much easier question to answer if you narrow it down by city… Brisbane has its sweet timber-lined Queenslanders, Melbourne has its statuesque inner-suburban Victorian houses, and when it comes to Sydney, well, it’s all about the water!

Today’s beautiful houseboat, surrounded by sparkling water and bobbing boats in Sydney’s Mosman, is a strong contender for the most uniquely Australian home we’ve featured!

29th November, 2017

The owners of this houseboat in Sydney’s Mosman use the home as a weekender. ‘The owner has a very stressful profession, and this is where she finds peace on the weekend’ designer Michelle Macarounas of explains. Photo – Prue .

The bottom level of the houseboat. Photo – Prue .

Living room with harbour views. Photo – Prue .

Coastal and nautical details are featured throughout the interiors. Photo – Prue .

Main bedroom. ‘We removed the ceiling to expose a high-pitched roof and to add drama to the room’ says Michelle.Photo – Prue .

A pared back aesthetic creates an easy flow on this floor. ‘Part of the brief was to be able to drink champagne in the bath and see the view!’ says Michelle! ‘We created this visual flow with a double frame backdrop through the doors of each room’. Photo – Prue .

Each area is simple in finishes, fixtures and furnishing to ensure you can take in the view without disruption. Photo – Prue .

From the second level balcony looking in to the main bedroom. Photo – Prue .

This outdoor deck has become a favourite for the family. ‘With a ladder positioned on the side, there is a lot of jumping off into the water and climbing straight back up!’ says Michelle. Photo – Prue .

Right on the water! Photo – Prue .

Lucy Feagins

Wednesday 29th November 2017

Designed by Michelle Macarounas of , this two-storey houseboat was originally constructed from parts of a barge built in the 1800s! Once a permanent home for its owners, it now serves as a family holiday retreat and entertaining space, afloat on Sydney’s sparkling harbour.

‘This is a really unique house, and a first of its kind for us’ explains designer Michelle Macarounas. Though her firm had never tackled a floating home before (!), they had experience working on a lot of waterfront properties, so had a good understanding of marine grade products.

Nevertheless, this was a complex renovation. Michelle and her team were asked to open up the dark lower level with the kitchen and lounge, which felt heavy and had a lot of nautical references, and to redesign the upper-level master bedroom, ensuite and study. Key requirements included restoring the original features, upgrading the boat’s mechanics, hydraulics, electrical wiring and facilities; and using marine-grade components to ensure the house remained watertight!

The restored and redesigned houseboat has an open living and kitchen area and deck on the first floor, as well as a double bedroom and ensuite. The master suite is upstairs, with a large bathroom, reading area and entertaining deck.

Both interior and exterior living spaces were transformed with a soft palette and natural materials – inside, oak flooring, cream-coloured travertine tiles, contemporary joinery and custom-made furniture offer a lighter counterpart to the darker weatherboard exterior. Furnishing and styling components were carefully considered to withstand harsh conditions, such as constant exposure to moisture, salt and sun.

Light, ventilation and openness were of vital importance for maximising space, and to ensure the result felt like a ‘house,’ rather than a cramped boat. ‘With such a spectacular setting, we wanted to ensure the surroundings and view took visual priority’ Michelle explains. ‘We incorporated large glass doors that open to outdoor living spaces. These allow for plenty of natural light, and helps to draw the eye outside’.

For Michelle and her team, the joy of delivering this project to the client was ‘absolutely gold’, and a very proud moment for the studio. ‘We had achieved a great outcome for them and they were so happy!’ Michelle recalls. There were even a few tears as they opened their eyes to see the transformation!